By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
The Chatham Community Players were excited to host “How to Choose Your Best Audition Song Workshop” last month. The workshop was presented by Ty Stephens, an award-winning singer/songwriter, entertainer/recording artist.
Stephens credentials include: Grand Prize Winner Jazzmobile/Anheuser-Busch Solo Jazz Vocalist Competition, NYC, 2006; and First Place Winner R&B/Blues Category of the International Songwriting Competition 2002, for “Somethin’ Strange.” He’s also the co-writer and original cast member of “From My Hometown,” co-writer/production; choreographer and star of the long-running “Shades of Harlem” revue show; and co-writer/production, choreographer and currently starring in the new touring hit, “On Kentucky Avenue” (Songbirds Unlimited Productions/StepForward Entertainment.) Ty also appeared on Broadway in the original productions of “Sophisticated Ladies” with Gregory Hines and Phyllis Hyman; and “Marilyn, an American Fable.”
In 2010 Stephens joined with vocalists from Broadway’s “The Lion King” singing on the recording of the soundtrack for the World Cup. He has performed/appeared with Harry Belafonte, Gregory Hines, Phyllis Hyman, Toshi Kubota, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Phoebe Snow, Smokey Robinson, Jon Hendricks; and at Carnegie Hall with Liza Minnelli and Natalie Cole (Laurie Strauss Leukemia Foundation Benefits).
The purpose of the workshop held at the Chatham Community Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Avenue, Chatham, was to help aspiring singers find a song that fits based on his/her skill, taste and needs. The class was open to anyone 14 and older.
“It’s a process of finding a song that suits you or refining a song you sing. Getting to know voices and approach to singing and the whole idea of a song; songs chosen for themselves,” Stephens explained.
Stephens was assisted by Richard Cummings Jr. who played keyboards. Songs were chosen in advance and the workshop was limited to 15 to create an intimate setting and allow Ty Stephens to work one-on-one with the vocalists.
The group began the workshop singing “Getting to Know You” from “The King and I” prior to getting personal attention and recommendations from Stephens.
“I want to get a sense of their voices,” Stephens said.
Spencer Scalamoni, 16, of Roxbury, came to the class with aspirations of enhancing his skills. “Singing is what I do,” he said. “If you’re good at something, do it until you’re the best at it.”
His two songs were “Dust and Ashes” from “The Great Comet,” and “For Forever” from “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Stephens said they were “excellent choices” for Spencer because they were “age specific.”
Stephens added, teasingly, “Nothing like watching a young person doing something from ‘Man of La Mancha’,” illustrating that some young singers choose songs that are too old or dated.
This was the fourth workshop Chatham Playhouse has hosted. Workshop coordinator George Seylaz said that they plan to have more. “Maybe a dance workshop with Ty,” he said, excitedly.
In addition to the workshops, The Chatham Players will be presenting “Grease” at the playhouse from May 4 to 19, 2018, and a summer theatre camp for kids.
The Chatham Community Players is a non-profit organization founded in 1922. For more information, visit: www.chathamplayers.org
For more information on Ty Stephens, visit: www.tystephensmusic.com
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta.
(above, l-r) Award-wining record artist, Ty Stephens; and Chatham Community Players workshop coordinator, George Seylaz.
(above) Keyboard sensation, Richard Cummings Jr.
(above, l-r) Aspiring singer Spencer Scalamoni having one-on-one time with Ty Stephens.
